Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
CA 02972119 2017-06-23
Description
Modular Plug-and-Socket Connector
Background of the Invention
The present invention relates to a modular plug-and-socket
connector.
Modular plug-and-socket connectors are utilized in highly
diverse technical applications. Modular plug-and-socket
connectors are based on the technical principle of conducting
several different signals or currents, including electrical
currents and/or fluid flows and/or light, via multiple plug-
and-socket modules and mating connector modules which are
interconnected in the connected state of the plug and the
mating connector of the modular plug-and-socket connector. One
plug module and one mating connector module form one plug
module pair in each case, via which a certain desired signal or
a desired current or a desired fluid flow or a desired light or
a desired luminous flux, which is, e.g., a luminous flux for
the purpose of optoelectronic data transmission, can be
conducted. Due to the module principle, the conduction of these
different signals or flows or fluxes can be implemented by
means of a connecting process which can be carried out in a
simple and practical way. One typical application of a modular
plug-and-socket connector relates to supplying a system with
different signals or different flows or fluxes with the aid of
a system controller remote from the system. One example of a
modular plug-and-socket connector is known from EP 1 353 412
A2.
In particular, when high electrical currents are transmitted or
conducted via a modular plug-and-socket connector in the
connected state of plug and mating connector, a high level of
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risk in the form of an electric arc effectuated by the
disconnection process can result when the plug and the mating
connector are disconnected under load, during which, inter
alia, the plug module and the mating connector module of the
plug module pair (or plug module pairs) that conducts the high
electrical current are separated from each other. Depending on
the application, an inadvertent disconnection of plug and
mating connector can also result, e.g., in a system shutdown
which, e.g., in the case of an industrial production system,
can result in manufacturing defects. In order to avoid or rule
out an inadvertent disconnection of plug and mating connector,
it is known to secure the connection between plug and mating
connector, specifically by way of the connection between plug
and mating connector being locked or closably locked by means
of complex latching yokes on the plug and/or the mating
connector, in the manner as described, e.g., in EP 0 731 534
81. Furthermore, it is also known to secure the connection of
plug and mating connector against an unauthorized or unwanted
separation of the connection by means of complex plug units or
complex plug devices. The known latching yokes as well as the
known plug units or plug devices furthermore take up a great
deal of installation space.
Problem Addressed
The problem addressed by the invention is that of providing a
modular plug-and-socket connector in which an existing
connection between plug and mating connector can be secured
against an inadvertent disconnection in a simple and practical
way.
This problem is solved by a modular plug-and-socket connector
having the features of independent claim 1.
The modular plug-and-socket connector according to the
invention comprises a plug including a plurality of plug
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modules and a mating connector including a plurality of mating
connector modules, in which one plug module and one mating
connector module form one plug module pair in each case. The
plug and the mating connector can assume an interconnected
state in which plug module and mating connector module of each
of the plug module pairs are interconnected. Furthermore, the
plug and the mating connector can assume a disconnected state,
in which a plug module and a mating connector module of each of
the plug module pairs are separated from each other.
The modular plug-and-socket connector according to the
invention is distinguished by at least one of the plug module
pairs comprising at least one locking device which, in the
connected state of the plug and the mating connector, can
assume a locking state in which the locking device prevents the
plug module and the mating connector module of this plug module
pair from separating from each other, and can assume a release
state in which the plug module and the mating connector module
of this plug module pair can be separated from each other.
Given that at least one of the plug module pairs comprises at
least one such locking device, in the connected state of plug
and mating connector, a separation or inadvertent separation or
disconnection of the plug and the mating connector from each
other can be advantageously prevented in a simple and practical
way, specifically by way of the locking device, in the
connected state, assuming the locking state or being
transferred into the locking state in which the locking device
prevents the plug module and the mating connector module of
this plug module pair from separating from each other. In
contrast to the known solutions in which complex latching yokes
on the plug and/or the mating connector - of the type
described, e.g., in EP 0 731 534 B1 - or complex plug units or
plug devices must be utilized for locking the connection, the
complexity involved in securing the connection of plug and
mating connector can be substantially reduced by providing the
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locking device, which is provided only on at least one of the
plug module pairs. In particular, the installation space to be
provided for securing the connection can also be advantageously
substantially reduced, since the locking device can be
spatially limited to the one or the at least one plug module
pair. Instead of implementing a locking means, in a complex
manner, externally on the plug and/or mating connector for the
purpose of securing, as in one known solution, at least one
plug module pair comprises at least one of these locking
devices, by means of which, in the connected state of plug and
mating connector, a separation of the plug and the mating
connector from each other can be prevented in a simple and
practical way. By utilizing the modular plug-and-socket
connector according to the invention, a complex external
installation of locking devices can be advantageously dispensed
with. It is also advantageously possible to dispense with a
complex usage of known plug devices in which a relatively large
quantity of high-cost noble metals is generally processed.
Particularly advantageously, a utilization of known plug
devices in the installation area in particular can be dispensed
with.
In the locking state, the plug module and the mating connector
of the plug module pair are prevented from separating from each
other, specifically preferably by way of the plug module being
fixed or immobile relative to the mating connector module or by
way of the mating connector module being fixed or immobile
relative to the plug module, so that, in particular, the plug
module and the mating connector module can be prevented from
being separated from each other by plug module and mating
connector module being pulled apart.
It is understood that the locking device can be provided either
on the plug module of the plug module pair or on the mating
connector module of the plug module pair or can be distributed
between the plug module and the mating connector module.
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In one preferred embodiment of the modular plug-and-socket
connector according to the invention, in the connected state of
the plug and the mating connector, at least one plug module
pair is designed as a power supply line or as at least one
power supply line and/or at least one plug module pair is
designed as an optical waveguide or as at least one optical
waveguide, and/or at least one plug module pair is designed as
a fluid line and/or as at least one fluid line. In many
applications, multiple plug module pairs or all plug module
pairs of the modular plug-and-socket connector, in the
connected state of the plug and the mating connector, are
preferably designed as at least one power supply line or as at
least one optical waveguide or as at least one fluid line,
wherein, when all plug module pairs of the modular plug-and-
socket connector have such a design in the connected state, the
at least one plug module pair comprising the at least one
locking device in the connected state of the plug and the
mating connector is also designed as at least one power supply
line or as at least one optical waveguide or as at least one
fluid line.
It is understood that not all plug module pairs of the plug-
and-socket connector in the connected state must be designed as
at least one power supply line or as at least one optical
waveguide or as at least one fluid line. In this way, at least
one plug module pair of the modular plug-and-socket connector
can also be formed from a so-called blind module and a mating
blind module, which simply occupy an unused plug slot or module
slot in the plug or the mating connector. Depending on the
individual configuration of the modular plug-and-socket
connector, not all plug slots or module slots of the plug and
mating connector of a modular plug-and-socket connector are
utilized. These unused or unoccupied slots are then occupied by
a blind module or a mating blind module - in particular in
order to avoid an unwanted ingress of moisture or for meeting
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other safety requirements - which are not designed for
conducting current or light or fluid (such as, e.g., air or,
e.g., compressed air).
Preferably, the plug modules are accommodated or fixedly
accommodated in a holding frame of the plug, and the mating
connector modules of the mating connector are accommodated or
fixedly accommodated in a holding frame of the mating
connector. Particularly preferably, the plug modules and the
mating connector modules can be detachably accommodated or
fixedly and detachably accommodated in the particular holding
frame.
In one particularly preferred embodiment of the modular plug-
and-socket connector, the locking device transitions from the
release state into the locking state when the temperature of
the modular plug-and-socket connector or the plug module pair
comprising the locking device increases, and transitions from
the locking state into the release state when the temperature
of the modular plug-and-socket connector or the plug module
pair comprising the locking device decreases, or the locking
device is configured for transitioning from the release state
into the locking state when the temperature of the modular
plug-and-socket connector or the plug module pair increases,
and for transitioning from the locking state into the release
state when the temperature of the modular plug-and-socket
connector or the plug module pair comprising the locking device
decreases. In the case of a modular plug-and-socket connector
designed according to this particularly preferred embodiment,
it is advantageously possible to take advantage of the fact
that, during conduction of electrical current via at least one
plug module pair configured for this purpose, in particular,
this plug module pair or the entire modular plug-and-socket
connector heats up. As a consequence of this heating-up or as a
consequence of this temperature increase, the locking device
can transition from the released state into the locking state,
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whereby an inadvertent disconnection of the plug and the mating
connector from each other is prevented, specifically
particularly advantageously when high electrical currents are
transmitted via the plug module pair. In this situation, the
modular plug-and-socket connector is under load, and so, in
particular, a risk that would result in the event of an
inadvertent disconnection of plug and mating connector can be
effectively avoided. The risk that exists in the case of high
electrical currents is primarily that the disconnection will
generate a dangerous electric arc. Particularly advantageously,
by means of this embodiment, a state-dependent securing of the
connection of plug and mating connection can be implemented,
which effectively increases personal protection, and so not
only technical personnel but other users as well are able to
handle the modular plug-and-socket connector. The network
quality is also improved by means of the effective avoidance of
an inadvertent disconnection of plug and mating connection.
Particularly advantageously, in the aforementioned particularly
preferred embodiment, the locking device can be configured for
transitioning into the locking state when a predefined
temperature of the modular plug-and-socket connector is
exceeded or if a predefined temperature of a plug module pair
or of the plug module pair comprising the locking device is
exceeded. The temperature measurement can take place for this
purpose by means of a suitable temperature-measuring device
which comprises a temperature sensor provided on the modular
plug-and-socket connector or the plug module pair. The
predefined temperature is preferably within a range of 5
degrees to 10 degrees Celsius above ambient temperature.
In order to prevent the plug module and the mating connector
module from being separated or inadvertently separated from
each other, the locking device can be configured for forming or
establishing, in the locking state, a form-fitting and/or
force-locked connection between the plug module and the mating
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connector module. In particular, the locking device can be
configured for pressing the plug module and the mating
connector module against each other.
In one particularly practical embodiment of the modular plug-
and-socket connector according to the invention, the locking
device comprises at least one element made of a shape memory
alloy. A shape memory alloy is distinguished, in a known way,
by the fact that it can be converted from a first phase
(typically, e.g., the so-called martensite phase) into a second
phase (typically, e.g., the so-called austenite phase) by
increasing the temperature and can return from the second phase
into the first phase by means of cooling, wherein the phase
transition from the first phase into the second phase is
accompanied by an extension of the shape memory alloy or the
element, and the phase transition from the second phase back
into the first phase is accompanied by a contraction of the
shape memory alloy or the element.
Due to a temperature increase of the modular plug-and-socket
connector or of the plug module pair comprising the locking
device, in particular due to a temperature increase that
exceeds a predefined extent (of, e.g., 10 degrees Celsius with
respect to room temperature or ambient temperature), the
element made of the shape memory alloy (as described above)
extends and, due to the extension, the locking device
transitions from the release state into the locking state and,
in the case of a temperature decrease, in particular a
temperature decrease by the predefined extent, the element made
of the shape memory alloy (as described above) contracts or
contracts again, and the locking device transitions from the
locking state into the release state as a result of the
contraction. Due to the extension of the element resulting from
the phase transition, a form-fitting and/or force-locked
connection between the plug module and the mating connector
module is formed or established for the purpose of assuming the
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locking state and, due to the return into the first phase when
the temperature decreases, the form-fitting and/or force-locked
connection between the plug module and the mating connector
module is released. The predefined extent of the temperature
increase or the temperature decrease, which depends not only on
the material properties of the shape memory alloy utilized, but
also on the thermodynamic properties of the modular plug-and-
socket connector, typically lies within a range of 5 degrees
Celsius to 20 degrees Celsius.
By providing the element made of the shape memory alloy, it is
particularly advantageously possible to implement a highly
compact locking device and, therefore, also a highly compact
modular plug-and-socket connector having a highly compact and
small size which can be implemented, particularly
advantageously, without a complex mechanical actuator. As soon
as the temperature of the plug module pair or the temperature
of the modular plug-and-socket connector increases - e.g., as a
result of a conduction of electrical current via the modular
plug-and-socket connector - by an extent that effectuates the
phase transition of the shape memory alloy, the locking device
transitions into the locking state in order to secure the
existing connection of plug and mating connector against an
inadvertent disconnection or separation. The modular plug-and-
socket connector that can be implemented in this way can be
incorporated particularly advantageously seamlessly into
existing technical systems due, in particular, to the compact
design that was made possible, and can optionally implement
desired technical functions or requirements such as, e.g.,
reliable automation solutions, that have not been possible so
far.
In yet another practical embodiment of the modular plug-and-
socket connector according to the invention, the locking device
comprises at least one upper element made of the shape memory
alloy, and a mating part, wherein the element is separated from
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the mating part in the release state of the locking device and
is engaged with the mating part in the locking state of the
locking device. By means of the mating part, a stable, form-
fitting connection of plug module and mating connector module
can be advantageously formed, which effectively secures an
existing connection of plug and mating connector against an
inadvertent disconnection or separation.
In one practical embodiment of the modular plug-and-socket
connector according to the invention, the locking device
comprises an activatable actuator including a movable
connection element which, upon activation of the actuator by
means of appropriate control signals, can be moved or
transferred between an opening position and a closing position,
wherein the locking device assumes the release state when the
connection element is in the opening position and assumes the
locking state when the connection element is in the closing
position.
When the connection element is in the closing position, the
locking device assumes the locking state in particular by way
of the movement element forming or establishing a form-fitting
connection or a force-locked connection, or a form-fitting and
force-locked connection between the plug module and the mating
connector module.
By means of the activatable actuator, an existing connection of
plug and mating connector can be secured against an inadvertent
disconnection or separation by activating said actuator using
appropriate control signals, in particular in the form of a
closing signal or an opening signal, and can be released once
more in order to separate plug and mating connector from each
other. Due to the activatability by means of control signals,
the securing and release of the connection of plug and mating
connector can be incorporated into highly diverse technical
applications, which can be highly advantageous, in particular,
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in processes having high levels of automation. The closing
signal can be designed, in particular, in the form of a "zero
signal", and so the locking state is assumed or retained when
the actuator is not activated by means of a voltage or a
signal. The opening signal can also be designed, in particular,
in the form of a "zero signal", and so the release state is
assumed or retained when the actuator is not activated by means
of a voltage or a signal.
The plug module preferably comprises the actuator, and the
mating connector module preferably comprises a receptacle in
which the connection element can be accommodated in the closing
position, or the mating connector module comprises the
actuator, and the plug module comprises a receptacle in which
the connection element can be accommodated in the closing
position. By providing the particular receptacle, a
particularly stable securing of the connection of plug and
mating connector can be implemented, in particular when the
receptacle has a shape or design adapted to the connection
element or when the receptacle has a shape or design adapted to
a section or end section of the movement element which is
accommodated in the receptacle in the closing position.
The connection element can be designed, e.g., in the form of a
locking bolt which can be accommodated in the particular
receptacle in the closing position, in order to secure or lock
the connection of plug and mating connector.
Particularly preferably, the modular plug-and-socket connector
comprises a temperature-measuring device for measuring a
temperature of the modular plug-and-socket connector, as well
as a control device, wherein the control device is configured
for activating the actuator and for transferring the locking
device from the release state into the locking state or from
the locking state into the release state if a temperature
measured by the temperature-measuring device exceeds or falls
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below a predefined limiting value. In addition, by providing
such a temperature-measuring device, it is advantageously
possible to take advantage of the fact that, during conduction
of electrical current via at least one plug module pair
configured for this purpose, in particular, this plug module
pair or the entire modular plug-and-socket connector heats up.
As a consequence of this heating-up or as a consequence of this
temperature increase, the locking device can be transferred
from the released state into the locking state, whereby an
inadvertent disconnection of the plug and the mating connector
from each other is prevented, specifically particularly
advantageously when high electrical currents are transmitted
via the plug module pair.
In yet another practical embodiment of the modular plug-and-
socket connector according to the invention, the plug module
pair comprising the locking device includes a display means
which is configured for displaying whether the locking device
is presently in the release state or in the locking state. Via
the display means, the user is advantageously visually informed
whether the existing connection of plug and mating connector is
secured against an inadvertent separation, or not.
The display means can comprise, in particular, an optical
waveguide or a viewing window or a transparent seal, wherein
the user can visually detect the locking state or the release
state of the locking device via the optical waveguide or the
viewing window or the transparent seal.
The plug module pair that comprises the locking device can be
designed, in the connected state of the plug and the mating
connector, as at least one power supply line or as at least one
electrical power supply line or as at least one optical
waveguide or as at least one fluid line. The plug module pair
comprising the locking device can therefore also perform not
only the locking function in this design, but also the function
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of conducting electrical current or light or fluid, which is
optionally also already performed by further plug module pairs
of the modular plug-and-socket connector. Depending on the
application, it can be advantageous to additionally configure
the plug module pair comprising the locking device for
conducting electrical current or light or fluid. The plug
module pair comprising the locking device can also be provided
only for the locking described, of course, and so the function
of conducting electrical current or light or fluid is
optionally reserved for other plug module pairs.
When - as is the case, in particular, in many applications - in
the connected state of the plug and the mating connector, at
least one plug module pair is designed as at least one power
supply line and/or at least one plug module pair is designed as
at least one optical waveguide and/or at least one plug module
pair is designed as at least one fluid line - or when the plug
module and the mating connector module of this plug module pair
are designed for the connection and the conduction of
electrical current or light or fluid - the modular plug-and-
socket connector according to the invention comprises, in one
preferred embodiment, a connection socket which can be
connected to an external connection mating socket for supplying
at least one plug module pair with current or electrical
current and/or for supplying at least one plug module pair with
light and/or for supplying at least one plug module pair with
fluid. Due to such a connection socket, wherein either the plug
or the mating connector comprises this connection socket, the
plug or the mating connector for supplying current and/or light
and/or fluid can be connected to an external connection mating
socket which, in particular, can be installed, e.g., in a
switchgear cabinet or a system control cabinet. The connection
socket is therefore also utilized, in particular, for the
technical implementation of connections to switchgear cabinets.
It is particularly preferred when the connection socket and at
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least one element or at least one part of the locking device
are situated on the plug or the mating connector, wherein,
particularly preferably, the connection socket and the locking
device are situated, in entirety, on the plug or on the mating
connector, or the connection socket and the locking device,
apart from one to two elements or parts, are situated on the
plug or on the mating connector. This has the advantage that
the particular other side, i.e., the mating connector or the
plug, that can be connected, in particular, to a cable or a
media-conducting line, can be designed to be highly space-
saving and low-cost, since the locking device is provided, in
entirety or to a preponderant extent, on the side comprising
the connection socket.
In one particularly preferred embodiment of the modular plug-
and-socket connector according to the invention, the locking
device is configured for assuming the locking state when at
least one plug module pair conducts the light and/or when at
least one plug module pair conducts the current and/or when at
least one plug module pair conducts the fluid and/or when there
is a voltage present at at least one plug module pair and/or
when there is a voltage present at the modular plug-and-socket
connector. In order to technically implement this function, the
locking device can comprise, e.g., at least one sensor and/or
at least one measuring device and/or a signal-transmitting
connection to at least one sensor and/or at least one measuring
device, wherein the sensor or the measuring device is
configured for detecting an optionally present current or
electrical current or an optionally present fluid flow or an
optionally present luminous flux at the particular plug module
pair or an optionally present voltage at the particular plug
module pair or at the modular plug-and-socket connector. If the
sensor and/or the measuring device determine that at least one
of these currents or at least one of these voltages is present,
or if the sensor and/or the measuring device measure at least
one electrical current and/or fluid flow and/or luminous flux
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deviating from a measured value of zero and/or at least one
voltage deviating from a measured value of zero, the locking
device assumes the locking state, wherein, in particular, e.g.,
an intelligence stored on a memory component or a command code
stored on a memory component can be provided for this function
or functionality.
Brief Description of the Drawing
Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in greater
detail in the following on the basis of the attached drawing.
In the drawing:
figure 1A shows a schematic three-dimensional representation of
a first exemplary embodiment of a modular plug-and-socket
connector according to the invention,
figures 1B to 1D each show a highly schematic representation
of a plug module pair of the plug-and-socket connector
according to figure 1A in different situations, wherein the
plug module pair comprises a locking device,
figures 2A and 2B each show a highly schematic representation
of a second exemplary embodiment of a modular plug-and-socket
connector according to the invention,
figures 2C to 2E each show a highly schematic representation
of a plug module pair of the plug-and-socket connector
according to figures 2A and 2B in different situations, wherein
the plug module pair comprises a locking device, and
figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a plug of a
modular plug-and-socket connector according to the invention,
comprising a connection socket, together with a connection
mating socket.
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The modular plug-and-socket connector 10 according to figure 1A
comprises a plug 12 including a plurality of plug modules 14
and comprises a mating connector 16 including a plurality of
mating connector modules 18. In the modular plug-and-socket
connector 10, one plug module 14 and one mating connector
module 18 form one plug module pair 20 or 21 in each case.
The plug 12 and the mating connector 16 can assume an
interconnected state (not illustrated in figure 1A) in which
plug module 14 and mating connector module 18 of each of the
plug module pairs 20 are interconnected, and the plug 12 and
the mating connector 16 can assume a disconnected state (as
illustrated in figure 1A) in which plug module 14 and mating
connector module 18 of each of the plug module pairs 20, 21 are
separated from each other.
In the connected state of the plug 12 and the mating connector
16, three adjacent plug module pairs 21 are each designed as
power supply lines for transmitting control signals or greater
electrical currents and two other adjacent plug module pairs 20
are designed, in the connected state, as fluid lines for
transmitting fluid in the form of compressed air.
In the exemplary embodiment according to figure 1A, a plug
module pair 20 comprises a locking device 22. This plug module
pair 20 is illustrated highly schematically in figures 1B to
ID. The highly schematically illustrated locking device 22 of
the plug module pair 20 comprises an element 28 made of a shape
memory alloy. The locking device 22, in the connected state of
the plug 12 and the mating connector 16, can assume a locking
state 24 - in order to secure the connection of plug 12 and
mating connector 16 against an inadvertent disconnection or
separation - in which the locking device prevents the plug
module 14 and the mating connector module 18 of the plug module
pair 20 from separating from each other (see figure 1D).
Furthermore, the locking device 22 can assume a release state
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26 in which plug module 14 and mating connector 18 of the plug
module pair 20 can be separated from each other (see figure
1C).
When there is a temperature increase of the modular plug-and-
socket connector 10 or the plug module pair 20 of at least 10
degrees Celsius with respect to the ambient temperature, the
locking device 22 transitions from the release state 26 into
the locking state 24 as a result of the modular plug-and-socket
connector 10 or the plug module pair 20 heating up, and
transitions from the locking state 24 into the release state 26
when there is a temperature decrease or cooling of the modular
plug-and-socket connector 10 or the plug module pair 20 to
ambient temperature. The transition into the locking state
takes place passively, specifically by way of the element 28
made of the shape memory alloy extending as a result of the
phase transition induced by the temperature increase and, in
the extended state, pressing the mating connector module 18
against the plug module 14, i.e., forming or establishing a
force-locked connection between the plug module 14 and the
mating connector module 18.
Figures 2A and 2B each show a highly schematic representation
of a second exemplary embodiment of a modular plug-and-socket
connector 10 according to the invention. Two plug module pairs
20 of the modular plug-and-socket connector 10 are formed, in
the connected state of the plug 12 and mating connector 16 (see
figure 2B), as power supply line 42. In the connected state of
the plug 12 and the mating connector 16, one plug module pair
20 is designed as optical waveguide 44. Another plug module
pair 20, however, does not perform a conduction function, but
rather is utilized only for securing the existing connection
between plug 12 and mating connector 16, wherein this plug
module pair 20 comprises a locking device 22 which is
illustrated in greater schematic detail in figures 2C to 2E.
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The locking device 22 according to figures 2C to 2E comprises
an activatable actuator 30 including a movable connection
element 32 which, upon activation of the actuator 30 by means
of control signals in the form of an opening signal 34 or a
closing signal 35, can be transferred between an opening
position (see figure 2D) and a closing position (see figure
2E), wherein the locking device 22 assumes the release state 26
when the connection element 32 is in the opening position and
assumes the locking state 24 when the connection element 32 is
in the closing position. The actuator 30 is provided with a
supply voltage 39 (illustrated only in figure 2C which shows
the plug module 14 and the mating connector module 18 in the
separated state) which can be provided at the modular plug-and-
socket connector 10 or outside thereof.
In the case of the locking device 22, the mating connector
module 18 comprises the actuator 30 and the plug module 14
comprises a receptacle 36 of the locking device 22, in which
the connection element 32 can be accommodated in the closing
position.
In the second exemplary embodiment of the modular plug-and-
socket connector 10, the plug-and-socket connector 10 comprises
a temperature-measuring device 38 for measuring a temperature
of the modular plug-and-socket connector 10 at the plug module
14 of the plug module pair 20 comprising the locking device 22
(see figures 2C to 2E). Furthermore, the modular plug-and-
socket connector 10 comprises a control device 40 (illustrated
highly schematically in figures 2C to 2E), wherein the control
device 40 is configured for activating the actuator 30 and for
transferring the locking device 22 from the release state 26
into the locking state 24 or from the locking state 24 into the
release state 26 if a temperature measured by the temperature-
measuring device 38 exceeds or falls below a predefined
limiting value.
18
CA 02972119 2017-06-23
The plug 12 of a modular plug-and-socket connector according to
the invention, which is illustrated in figure 3, comprises a
connection socket 48 which can be connected to an external
connection mating socket 50, specifically for supplying each
plug module pair of the plug-and-socket connector with current
or light or fluid depending on how the particular plug module
pair is configured. The connection mating socket 50 is fastened
on a housing wall 51 of a control cabinet (not illustrated) of
a system. The connection socket 48 and the greatest number of
elements or parts of the locking device 22 are situated on the
plug 12.
19
CA 02972119 2017-06-23
List of reference numbers
modular plug-and-socket connector
12 plug
5 14 plug module
16 mating connector
18 mating connector module
plug module pair
22 locking device
10 24 locking state
26 release state
28 element made of shape memory alloy
actuator
32 connection element
15 34 opening signal
closing signal
36 receptacle
38 temperature-measuring device
39 supply voltage
20 40 control device
42 power supply line
44 optical waveguide
46 fluid line
48 connection socket
25 50 connection mating socket
51 housing wall
